Martin brings a whole lotta music, friends to Terrace

Item File Photo Singer-songwriter Hank Martin of Nashville, formerly of Sumter, will bring a group of friends to the terrace between Angel's on Main and the Sumter City Centre for an outdoor concert Friday night.

One of Sumter's favorite performers returns this week from his home in Nashville to bring his music — and a lot of good, talented friends — to Fridays at the Terrace this week. Hank Martin, a longtime Sumter resident and Edmunds High School graduate, who went on to become a successful, professional musician and songwriter, will bring his favorite oldies and more to the 7-10 p.m. concert.

As is usual for his Sumter performances, Martin will be joined by "my wonderful, sweet sister, Anne (Martin Galloway)." Galloway, who can be heard Thursday nights at The Imperial, where she's accompanied on piano by Linda Beck, is known for her way around the American popular song, show tunes and more.

The band, Martin said, will comprise Brooks Wilkinson on drums, Darren Polutta on bass, Ricco on saxophone, Robert Gibbs on guitar. Martin plays keyboards and sings.

"But that's not all," he said. "We always have several surprise guests. That's the fun of doing these concerts in Sumter. You know a lot of good musicians, good friends, will be there, and they'll come up on stage to sing or play."

Among those guests, Martin said, will be vocalists Jerry Burchfield, Kit Polutta and Shannon Wilkinson.

"I expect there will be others, too," he said. "We might look down and there's Joe (Cannarella), and the next thing you know, he'll be up there. We'll probably have three or four unexpected surprises."

Martin said the music will be heavy on oldies and beach music with some gospel music. He'll also perform several of his own compositions.

"The people who come out to see us, we have a history together," Martin said. "We know they want to hear those old songs, and we enjoy playing them.

"It'll be a fun evening. I hope people who don't know us will come, too."

Expect to hear everything from oldies to pop, rhythm-and-blues, gospel, rock 'n' roll and show tunes from 7-10 p.m. Friday in the terrace between the Sumter City Centre and Angel's on Main located on North Main Street. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No coolers will be permitted. Bring a lawn chair. For more information call (803) 436-2640.

—Ivy Moore